Ranbir teaming up with Imtiaz, hints Rishi Kapoor

Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) If things move as per plan, Ranbir Kapoor may soon find himself working with ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, indicates the young actor's father Rishi Kapoor.

"I'm positive that in 2010, Imtiaz and Ranbir would be beginning a film together. They have been meeting on a regular basis and are just looking at finalising on something concrete before they make a formal announcement," says Rishi Kapoor, who was seen in Ali's "Love Aaj Kal".

Prodded further on what the genre, subject, leading lady and production house will be, Rishi denies being in the know.

"I never get involved in the creative aspects of Ranbir's films. He takes all his decisions himself. All I know is that Ranbir working with Imtiaz would be a great decision since I have now witnessed Imtiaz's sensibilities on a first hand basis after working with him," said the actor who was earlier seen in "Delhi 6".

Rishi got quite some appreciation for his portrayal as a Sikh in "Love Aaj Kal".

"While working on the film, I realised that this boy (Imtiaz) is so cultured, sensible and simple. There is a saying that one's character gets reflected in his work. It was there for everyone to see in 'Love Aaj Kal', which was so honest and sincere, just like Imtiaz," Rishi said.

If the project materialises, Ranbir will be working with yet another accomplished filmmaker. He made his debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Saawariya" and later featured in Siddharth Anand's "Bachna Ae Haseeno".

Currently, he is working with Raj Kumar Santoshi in "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani", Prakash Jha in "Rajneeti", Shimit Amin for the forthcoming "Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year" and Ayan Mukerji in "Wake Up Sid".

When asked about it, Imtiaz said: "Honestly speaking, nothing has been finalised yet. Yes, Ranbir and I have been meeting each other for quite some time and have been bouncing off story ideas. Still, we are yet to close on a story line.

"I have always placed my story before anything else. Whether it is 'Love Aaj Kal', 'Jab We Met' or 'Socha Na Tha', the story has always been of paramount importance."

So is he or is he not signing Ranbir?

"I definitely want to work with him. However, I will announce my cast once the story is finalised. Making any comments before that would be immaterial and unwarranted," he said.